Tiger Nuts / Chufa

Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus)
A sweet, nutty edible tuber with a chewy texture, loved in traditional Spanish horchata and perfect for adventurous growers 🌿✨
 
🌿  Tiger Nut, also called Chufa,  is an ancient edible crop grown for its small, sweet, nut‑flavoured tubers. Despite the name, it isn’t a nut at all but a type of sedge, making it naturally gluten‑free and suitable for most diets. Native to warmer regions but surprisingly adaptable, tiger nuts grow well in the UK in a sunny, sheltered spot with moist, fertile soil. The grassy foliage forms a neat clump through summer, while underground the plant produces clusters of crisp, chewy tubers with a naturally sweet, almond‑like flavour. Traditionally used to make Spanish horchata de chufa, they’re also delicious eaten fresh, dried, roasted, or added to cereals and baking. Easy to grow and highly productive, tiger nuts are a rewarding choice for gardeners looking to explore unusual, nutrient‑rich crops.